Once used extensively as a building material throughout Australia, asbestos has now come to be recognized as a highly dangerous material. Originally introduced into the construction industry due to its fire resistance and durability, asbestos contains microscopic fibres that can be easily inhaled. Today, those fibres are known to be carcinogenic. When they become attached to the lining of the lungs, they are not able to be released or broken down. As a result, the presence of asbestos in any structure is naturally a serious concern.
Asbestos was commonly used in a variety of materials, including insulation, roofing, cement, tiles, and flooring. Bear in mind that it is not as simple as it might seem to distinguish the difference between building materials that contain asbestos and those that do not simply by looking at them.
If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, you may naturally wonder whether you need to remove it and if there is anything else that you can do. In most instances, you do not need to remove asbestos. The types of materials in which asbestos was used are quite strong and do not typically crumble and release asbestos fibres. In rare exceptions, such as in strong winds, this can be a concern. If there has never been a need to disturb the materials in your home, you may wish to simply leave them alone.
With that said, if you are planning to make repairs or renovations to your home, it is important to consider abatement for asbestos as part of the project. In this case, you may be required to have an audit performed to first determine whether asbestos is actually present prior to demolition or renovation. You may also be required to notify certain authorities prior to starting such a project.
Such measures are in place due the recognition of asbestos exposure as the leading cause of mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. As a result of the potential impact of such health conditions, public health authorities throughout Australia have sought to control both the use and disposal of asbestos. If you suspect that your home or business may have asbestos, it is important to first verify the presence of asbestos through proper asbestos testing. This can be accomplished through minimal disruption and without exposing you or others to asbestos if it is present.
In the event that it is determined that there is asbestos present and the question ‘Do I need to remove asbestos?’ is raised, it is important to understand that the removal of asbestos is not a do-it-yourself project. Strict protocols exist for the safe removal of asbestos. Therefore, removal of asbestos must be conducted by a trained professional in order to avoid putting the public or yourself in harm’s way.
If you believe that you have asbestos in your property and it is not bonded to any type of other material, it is imperative that you contact a professional Asbestos Removal Service without delay. Asbestos exposure can present serious health issues; however, with proper and professional remediation, such risks can be mitigated.
Thanks for reading,
Russell Steel
(02) 9660 5937
Comments are closed.